2024 Mini Cooper EV unveiled 01 | 09 | 2023

MINI HAS REINVENTED its iconic hatch, in what will be its fifth generation, with the 2024 model available as both a full-electric or petrol version, writes Jim McGill. The new car will also only be available as a three-door. Unveiled today at the 2023 Munich Motor Show, the fifth-gen Mini get a new design and added tech, including a brand-new infotainment system.

While the petrol model will follow, the first to arrive will be the new electric Mini which will be available in two forms: Cooper Electric E and Cooper Electric SE. There’s also three new exterior colours, Blazing Blue, Sunny Side Yellow and Legend Grey. With first deliveries scheduled to arrive in Spring next year, prices for the Mini Cooper Electric E start at £30,000, with the Cooper Electric SE rising to £34,500.

Sharing the same dimensions, but not the same platform as the petrol model, the Mini Electric E is fitted with a  40.7kWh battery which sends its energy to a single electric motor. This delivers 181bhp and 290Nm of torque, an covers a claimed range of up to 190 miles.

The Cooper Electric SE sees the battery capacity rise to 54.2kWh, with power and torque increasing to 215bhp and 330Nm respectively. Delivering up to 250 miles on a single charge, the SE will cover 0-62mph in 6.7secs, that’s six tenths quicker than the Electric E. Both models can be charged at 75 and 95kW respectively; that means a 10% to 80% recharge will take 30 minutes.

The Mini designers have focused on a more minimalist look, removing chrome, making the door handles sit flush, and removing the wheel-arch trims. The big circular headlights — offered with three different LED running light signatures — remain, plus there’s a new octagonal front grille. The rear lights are now even more customisable: you can have the familiar Union Flag signature, or a choice of other modes.

The EV’s larger wheels have been pushed further out towards the car’s extremities, resulting in even better packaging and space inside the cabin. With the rear seats in place, bootspace has now increased to 200-litres, increasing to 800-litres with them folded flat.

Inside the minimalist cabin, which in many ways better reflects the original BMC Mini of 1959,  the centrepiece of the new car's cabin is still a large round display. Originally a large speedo, it’s now a 9.4-inches in diameter ultra-slim OLED screen. This will be standard fit across all models. Labelled the Mini Interaction Unit, it displays EV data on the state of charge and range available, all the customisation options, plus speed and media.

The 2024 Mini Electric will be available in three trim levels, Classic, Exclusive and Sport. The entry-level Classic includes black synthetic leather sports seats with a knitted textile interior. The Exclusive’s knitted textile trim on the dash panel is a two-tone houndstooth pattern, while the sports seats benefit from a perforated trim. There’s also the option of what Mini calls a “Spray-Tech” roof; this blends three different colours.

The range-topping Sport trim gets black synthetic leather seats with contrast red stitching, multi-coloured knitted textiles, plus more gloss black for the car's grille and logos. Naturally it’s the raciest-looking in the range, and its sporty looks can be further enhanced by adding a contrasting roof and bonnet stripes.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on Instagram and Twitter

Jim McGill